On the Water - Safe Boating, Fishing & Swimming

For many New Englanders, boating, swimming and fishing are the essence
of summer. Keep in mind that all of these activities require clean
and safe water -- and that each and every person out on the water
has a role in keeping these waters clean.

This web site provides information on a host of water-related topics,
including: 1) up-to-date information on your favorite beaches, rivers and
watersheds; 2) where it is safe to swim or eat freshly caught fish;
and 3) how boaters and marina users can help keep our waterways
clean.

Beaches, Coasts, Estuaries, Rivers, Watersheds and Oceans
Learn more about the aquatic habitat that you are visiting. More...

Fishing and Swimming?
Before you grab your swimsuit or cast your rod and reel,
get some info on the water and the fish. More...

Fishing and Swimming

Should I be swimming in this water?
Recreational waters at ponds, lakes and coastal beaches are sometimes
polluted by various sources. Before you dive in for a swim, be
sure you know what you are getting into. Visit the New
England Beaches - It's a Shore Thing page for state by state
links to water quality and beach closures plus information on our
efforts to help keep New England’s beaches clean and safe.

Can I eat the fish I just caught?
Edible fish and shellfish species in New England waters can be tainted
with a variety of contaminants that may make those who eat them
sick. To protect the public state and local health and fishery authorities
monitor a variety of popular species and publish health advisories.
For more information visit the fish
consumption advisories page.

Boats & Marinas

These links will lead you to many successful clean boating and clean marina programs that are underway in New England. Whether you are a boater, marina owner, boat manufacturer or boat dealer, the links below have useful information on how you can become a good "steward" for our nation's water resources.

Invasive Species

The term "invasive species" refers to any plant or animal
that enters an ecosystem beyond its historic range. Some invasive
species can displace indigenous ones causing significant changes
to an ecosystem. Invasive species can enter a new ecosystem by hopping
a ride on the hull of a boat. For more information visit our Invasive
Species page.